Manuscripts and Archives

Cumberland County ArchivesCumberland County’s Archives holds several series of documents concerning Eastern State Penitentiary up to the year 1887. These documents include annual bills from Eastern State for maintenance costs of prisoners convicted in Cumberland County and discharge certificates for those inmates. To see lists of holdings and some images, go to Cumberland County's Listings Page and search all archives for the word “penitentiary.”

The Pennsylvania State ArchivesClick here for information specifically about prison records at the State Archives. The Pennsylvania State Archives has the most comprehensive collection of inmate records from Eastern State Penitentiary. Click here for the Genealogical Research at the Pennsylvania State Archives web page.

Repositories of Primary SourcesThis website lists many repositories in the United States and Canada that may be able to assist you with your search—a university, historical society, or archives not listed on our website may have the information you need!

University of PennsylvaniaThe Rare Book & Manuscript Library Collections hold the daybooks of Eastern State architect John Haviland from 1820-1837 as well as the papers of J. William White, who was a surgeon at Eastern State and a member of the Board of Inspectors in the late 1800s. For information about modern penology, also see the Johan Thorsten Sellin Papers.